Eala down to No. 4 in world rankings

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala slipped a notch down to No. 4 in the latest world junior rankings by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Previously inside the top three, Eala (2443 points) gave way to Belarus’ Kristina Dmitruk (2453) in her fall.

Andorra’s Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva (3154.75) and US Open champion Robin Montgomery (2453.75) of the United States stayed at first and second, respectively.

Russia’s Diana Shnaider completed the top five with 2084.75 points.

Eala lost a step last month sliding to No. 3 from a career-high No. 2 following a quarterfinal exit in the US Open.

The 16-year-old ace reached her career-best ranking last August after capturing her second juniors doubles Grand Slam in the 2021 French Open plus a twin-title in Milan.

In the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, Eala is currently at No. 527.